Abstract
Fluidization of binary mixtures of particles belonging to group B of the Geldart classification of powders was studied. Beds tested were prepared by mixing in different proportions particles with almost equal density (β2,500 kg/m^3^) and dissimilar size (125 ΞΌm silica sand and 500 ΞΌm glass beads). Experiments were carried out using a segmented fluidization column equipped with multiple pressure transducers. Experimental procedures included continuous monitoring of pressure drop at different locations along the bed during quasiβsteady or stepwise changes of gas superficial velocity, and characterization of particleβsize distributions in each segment of the fluidization column after fluidization of the bed for given times. Three ranges of gas superficial velocity were recognized for each solids mixture. At low velocity the bed behaves as a fixed bed. At high velocity, it is fully and steadily fluidized. In an intermediate velocity range, transient fluidization takes place: an initially uniform fluidized bed eventually undergoes segregation, giving rise to a defluidized bottom layer rich in the coarser solids and to a βsupernatantβ fluidized layer where finer particles prevail. The thresholds between these velocity ranges are rather sharp and were characterized as functions of initial bed composition. Rates at which the defluidized solids layer builds up from initially uniform beds, and the ultimate compositions of the defluidized bottom and fluidized top layers are characterized for beds with different compositions at variable gas superficial velocity.